ISLAMABAD: National Assembly speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq on Wednesday said that the role of women was very important towards prosperity and progress in every society but it was unfortunate that women around the globe were abused, harassed, marginalised and were compelled to lead a miserable life under a constant shadow of violence, discrimination and poverty. He stressed upon the world community for collective efforts and better legislation to protect women’s rights. He expressed these views in his message on International Women’s Day being commemorated throughout the world today (Thursday). He said that Islam gave equal respect and rights to women and strictly negated gender discrimination. He also said that women in our society were confronting severe problems in education, healthcare and employment sectors. He said denying women their due rights was hampering economic progress and development. Published in Daily Times, March 8th 2018.